Steps for 8-year Agricultural District Review

Public notice of District review – County Legislature provides a public notice stating the date of the open period of an Agricultural District review, included municipalities, the total area of the District, and the location of a map and information on the District. The notice is published in at least one newspaper and posted in at least five conspicuous places throughout the district and mailed to municipalities and landowners within the district.

30-day open period – During this period, following the opening of the review, municipalities and land owners within the District may propose a modification of the District (adding or removing parcels from the District).

Albany County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board and County Planning Board review proposed modifications to the District and prepare reports including recommendations to the County Legislature.

Public hearing - County Legislature holds a hearing regarding proposed modifications to the District. The hearing notice is published in a newspaper with general circulation within the District and mailed, along with a map of proposed modifications, to municipalities which encompass the District and to land owners whose parcel(s) are the subject of proposed modifications.

County Legislature considers reports of the County Planning Board and Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board and transcript of the public hearing and makes a finding regarding the disposition the District.

All materials related to the review are forwarded to the Commissioner of NYS Agriculture and Markets for review and approval.
Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets notifies County Legislature of decision regarding recommendations on modifications and continuation of the District.